5 Reasons why Numerical Indices Delight Medium Readers
Medium is full of ideas and brilliant articles that teach and educate — it gives readers a means to do things in life — most of them catalogued under numerical indices. These numbered and listed articles attract the greatest number of readers — I think so.
3 things to remember when….
5 ways to get around ….
7 brilliant quotes that….
6 ideas to …
Why?
Here are 5 reasons why. (Pun intended)
Numbers narrow down overload of content
Today you have more to do with lesser time in your hands; or so you think. You are always busy. So much is being said about ‘being busy’, which is not ‘a badge to wear’ — but you are busy nevertheless and love to flaunt the way you lead life.
When you have a time limit, and you are presented with a certain way of doing things (say 5,6,7 ways…) you make time for it — you want to absorb faster, learn faster, and make your judgement faster as well. You want to cut the ‘all you already know’ content and dive into the essence of the topic — and numbers do just that for you; they give you the essence and the “real stuff” keeping you from using up your precious time for something better to do.
Numbers can give you a sense of perspective
A list enables you to look at things in relation to one another. The numbered list helps in quick comparison and interpretation, and looking at the ‘whole picture’ more clearly.
For example, if I give you a numbered list of things you should prepare for before facing an interview, you will probably connect the given list for better memory, clear perspective and for an overall understanding. The list will serve as a ready reckoner, especially for a quick mental recap.
Numbers lend for skimming through content
Sometimes you just don’t want to go into details, especially if the heading is candid and self -explanatory. Though the writer has much more to say, you’ve had enough to comprehend. So, you tend to scan through the article for reasons you justify to yourself.
Numbers help you identify with the writer
Oh yes! Point 2 — I get what the writer is saying — Point 4, I don’t agree at all…. As a reader you can identify with all, some, or nothing of what the writer says, and a list helps you clearly do that, intuitively. It works like a user interface and helps recognize content better.
Numbers allow better retention
During the read or after, you may be able to list the items in your memory better and juggle through them easily. Reminding yourself, memorizing, or just shuffling the points is surely simpler with a list.
I’m sure you will have more to add to this list. Go ahead, leave your comments; let’s add mote to the list!
